XFX R9 390X Black Edition Review

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Holy smokes. We'd have expected a card labelled the Black Edition to come in packaging resembling the monoliths from 2001. As it is it looks like a magic eye picture. It certainly grabs the attention but not perhaps in the way XFX were going for.

That diamond effect continues to the Double Dissipation cooler. Opinion in the office is very much divided upon how the cards looks. It's definitely unique. Thankfully if you fall into the camp that thinks it's a little too busy then the backplate, the bit you actually see most of the time, is much nicer. Indeed we really like it with it's crisp logo and vent holes.

However you feel about the diamonds there is no doubting that the precise edges of the XFX 390X are a joy. It never looks like they've bolted a parts-bin cooler on.

Plentiful heat-pipes and excellent fin density should ensure that the card remains cool. Lots of room for the air to circulate too, thanks to a gentle side covering. A very attractive cooler, once you get past the diamond top.

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